[ÄÂ·kwÄâ²tÉr] Etymology: L, aequator, equalizer. an imaginary line encircling a globe, equidistant from the poles, used in anatomical nomenclature to designate such a line on a spherical organ, dividing the surface into two approximately equal parts. Also spelled aequator.
It's a Wonderful Life entered the public domain by accident. In 1946, when the movie was filmed, U.S. copyright protection lasted 28 years and could be renewed for another 28 years by filing some paperwork and paying a nominal fee. However, Republic Pictures, the original copyright owner and producer of Wonderful Life, neglected to renew the 1946 copyright in 1974.
Once Congress extended federal copyright protection to sound recordings, they chose Feb. 15, 2047 as the date those recordings would enter the public domain (a term of 75 years). But thanks to the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, that term has been extended to Feb. 15, 2067. Wow, I can hardly wait.